Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Social

Their France visit has helped them to connect deeply with the outside world, to gain exposure to international markets and through their ambitions, emerge ready to write in more explicit and exquisitely way, their story and in the process, elevate Botswana’s creative voice in the global stage.
The two weeks stay in France (a week in Paris and another in Montpellier) accorded them opportunities to showcase their brands to the world.
These eight Batswana designers were lucky to have been be selected from 28 others in the country for a two-week Learning Expedition coordinated by France coordination partner Halle Tropisme.
Selected through a Creation Botswana event held at the National Museum under a programme titled: ‘The key to succed in international market,’ the eight designers were Botho Chalebgwa,
Candida Montsho, Boikanyo Molale, Sabine Matsheka, Moitshepi Mokaila,
Gomotsegang Dipuo, Mboko Basiami and Gaekgone Lesego.
In Paris, the cohort immersed in Paris Fashion Week and undertook targeted studio and concept-store visits.  The week featured a pop-up market hosted by Marché Noir, offering direct audience engagement and real-time product feedback.
In Montpellier, their schedule included fittings, technical run-throughs and a fashion show night dedicated to showcasing Botswana’s talent before French audiences, buyers and the press. Designers also participated in focused professional sessions on pricing, brand narrative, export readiness, and sustainable production, alongside curated networking to deepen links with industry stakeholders across both cities.
The designers had ealier attended tailered mentoship from international experts in Botswana, which emcampassed workshops, networking events for their empowerment conducted by Creation Botswana.
Each workshop was curated to offer insight into key areas of fashion business development; from design and retail to storytelling, branding and global expansion.
French Ambassador to Botswana, Ms Valérie Baraban explained at the Bon Voyage celebration to bid the eight designers’ farewell, that it was her first cultural event since she arrived in Botswana.
She as such underscored France’s continued commitment to meaningful cultural collaboration, and her strong support for the Alliance Française de Gaborone.
Newly appointed Director of Alliance Française de Gaborone, Ms Anne-Charlotte reaffirmed the Alliance’s long-standing dedication to supporting Création Botswana and the country’s cultural and creative industries.   “The skills are not lofty goals but the building blocks of a stronger, more sustainable creative industry in Botswana,” she said.  
Indecisive Director, Moitshepi Mokaila encouraged fellow designers to be who they are through their brands, expressing themselves in the way they dress.
“As we are stepping in the seventh year of our brand we feel blossomed. Still strong as we were from the beginning. My first trip to France is an unanswered prayer. It explains to me, I can better still push up to entangle angles of success,” she noted.
Further, she viewed her aptitude as a God given talent and advised other designers who could not get the chance, not to stop but to keep pushing as they would improve with time.  She further said that they should be mindful of the people they keep along with, be very intentional and aim high as the sky is the limit.
 Spencer Moreri, an ABSA Bank representative, mentioned together in one spirit with their partners Creation Botswana, Botswana Alliance Française de Gaborone and Lucara, that they have pledged to deliver their promises to Batswana on areas of supporting the youth and women and entrepreneurs. ENDS

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